How do you react to a faithful God who responds to your prayers? Let’s study and learn from David. Read Psalms 28.
Before moving directly into this Psalm, be reminded not to read a psalm like you would a narrative. Doing so makes David seem to have a very fickle faith and may just cause you to have the same! The Psalms are written and arranged (with great care) to provoke the learning and encouragement of Israel and us! (Rom. 15:4).
The particular occasion that led David to compose this Psalm is not known with any certainty. For our brief discussion, we will divide this psalm as follows:
- David’s Plea for God to Hear (vv. 1-2).
- The Basis of David’s Plea and Confidence: The Justice of God (vv. 3-5).
- The Blessedness of God Who Has Heard (vv. 6-7).
- Application to Israel and Us (vv. 8-9).
His Plea for God to Hear (vv. 1-2). David begins with an emphatic call to the Lord to not be deaf to his prayers. David knows that without the response of the Lord, he is hopeless (compare “go down to the pit” to Is. 14:19). Therefore he pleads and cries out (with intensity) to the Lord. Note in verse 2 that asking for mercy is asking for help, for action. God can and does hear. He can and does act!
The Basis of His Plea and Confidence: The Justice of God (vv. 3-5). On the basis of God’s justice, David pleads not to be dealt with as the wicked, or, the “workers of evil” (v. 3). Their evil “works” are sometimes only seen “in their hearts.” David had a very different heart! (See 1 Sam. 13:14). His prayer, in verse 4, is what he knows to be true of the nature of God… that God will respond to evil doers according to their deeds (see also Gal. 6:7). This is not ill-will, it is knowing the nature of God! The wicked have no regard for the amazing majesty of God displayed in His works! (see Rom. 1:18-20; Ps. 19:1; 14:1).
The Blessedness of God Who Has Heard. (vv. 6-7). Note the change now from what David pleads with God to do and what He now says He has done (compare verses 5 and 6). The same God that David pleaded to for mercy, he now praises for hearing him (v. 6). David’s confidence was heavily rooted in the nature of His God, his “strength” and “shield” (v. 7a). He was the object of His trust and his thanks! (v. 7c).
Application to Israel and Us (vv. 8-9). David now transitions from what was very personal, to making application to Israel (note: “my” in v. 7 to “his people” in v. 8). What was true of God for David was true for Israel and for God’s people in all times. God is the “strength” and “saving refuge” of His people (v. 8 – present tense). And David ends the Psalm with a confident plea for the Lord to continue to abide with His people in the future “forever” (v. 9).
When we know what David knew about God we will live with both trust and praise! Blessed (praised) be the God who hears… and blessed (greatly favored, contented) be the one who knows that God hears!
Daren Schroeder